John Kilgore took precautions to guard his home against invasion, including the construction of a gate and a sign warning that a security dog lived on the property. As Kilgore and his family unpacked from a vacation, police say a burglar thought he saw an opportunity to circumvent Kilgore’s safegaurds, but apparently overlooked Kilgore’s final line of defense–a loaded firearm. The family left a door unlocked as they brought in luggage, and the burglar hurried inside. Kilgore’s wife stumbled upon the man in a bedroom, ran out screaming and pulled her two sons into another bedroom. Kilgore ran to his family’s aid, shooting the suspect as Mrs. Kilgore dialed 9-1-1. The intruder was listed in critical condition at the hospital.
St. Petersburg Times St. Petersburg, Fla., 11/28/06